Back To Nature Ecotourism
Back To Nature Ecotourism
Deep in the rainforests of North Sumatra, in Bukit Lawang, a quiet dream took root — the dream of a man named Aca to protect the forest and coexist with its wild inhabitants. What began as a small step evolved into Back to Nature Ecotourism, a sanctuary where orangutans drink from the river and travelers find peace among the trees.
Aca didn’t begin as a conservationist. In 1999, he built a small guesthouse on the edge of Bukit Lawang. But something felt missing. NGOs came and went, but the jungle kept shrinking. So he asked a different question: What if we didn’t wait? What if we took action, not just visited?
So, he started buying pieces of the forest — little by little. Not to build. Not to sell. But to protect.
“A place built with love, not walls.”
What began as a guesthouse slowly grew into a sanctuary — not just for travelers, but for animals too. Orangutans began appearing. Gibbons returned. The river he dreamed of? It now flows past his window.
Back to Nature Ecotourism became more than lodging. It became a living project of protection and connection — between humans, animals, and the rainforest.
“Sometimes, we see orangutans drinking from the river. That’s when we know — we’re doing something right.” – Aca
Ready to be part of the story?
Stay, trek, or support the forest — every choice you make here leaves a mark of hope.
Instead of clearing the land, we chose to keep it wild. Since the early 2000s, we’ve gradually purchased over 100 hectares of rainforest — not for development, but for protection. These forests remain untouched, a home for wildlife, a breath for the Earth.
We built a 40-minute walking trail along the river, not for tourists alone — but for the entire community. This path now helps farmers, rafting guides, and locals connect safely and efficiently, all without disrupting the forest.
Hundreds of fruit trees now grow on the edge of our land — not for profit, but to feed the forest. These trees offer food to orangutans, gibbons, and other wildlife, creating a natural buffer zone and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
For over a decade, Back to Nature has been more than a guesthouse. It’s a forest-friendly way of life. Through the ups and downs, we’ve remained rooted in Bukit Lawang, growing slowly but surely with one mission: to stay, protect, and live in harmony with the jungle.
In the heart of the jungle, every step tells a story. Thank you for taking a moment to walk with us.